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After more than 15 months of war in the Gaza Strip, thousands of children have lost limbs and dreams. The World Health Organization estimates that at least a quarter of those injured in Gaza have life-changing injuries, requiring major rehabilitation. The analysis found that severe limb injuries, estimated to be between 13,455 and 17,550, are the main driver of the need for rehabilitation.
To improve their quality of life and restore their dignity, UNICEF has distributed over 500 wheelchairs to children across the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire will allow UNICEF and partners to scale up their response, reaching more children in need.
"This is just the beginning," says UNICEF Communication Associate Rawan Eleyan, speaking from a wheelchair delivery site in northern Gaza. "The urgent need for more wheelchairs, assistive devices, crutches and other critical supplies remains a very critical issue for children who depend on them."
Between 3,105 and 4,050 limb amputations have occurred in Gaza since October 2023
According to the WHO report, between 3,105 and 4,050 limb amputations have occurred since October 2023.
"My leg has been amputated three times," says 8-year-old Ritaj, who is learning to walk on a prosthetic leg. An air strike hit her house, killing her entire family. "My father, mother, siblings and uncles were killed. Only my aunt and I are left. My leg got infected, and maggots were coming out of it. There were no doctors to treat me."
A UNICEF staff member assembles a wheelchair, part of a delivery for children in need in North Gaza. Providing injured and disabled children with wheelchairs helps empower children to navigate their surroundings and participate in their communities.
UNICEF prioritizes urgent interventions that will make a difference in the lives of children and their families
Large surges in spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and major burn injuries all contribute to the overall number of life-changing injuries since the start of the war, which includes many thousands of women and children. Meanwhile, less than half of Gaza's 36 hospitals are functional and many medical personnel have been displaced. Immediate and long-term support is urgently needed to address the enormous rehabilitation needs.
Help UNICEF scale up its emergency response to reach more children in need. Donate today.
Video edited by Tong Su for UNICEF USA.
